Day 100, Acts 3
After the tumultuous start in Chapter 2, the Church continues to have great impact in Jerusalem. Peter and John are the two who are central in this episode, and again Peter is the spokesman. Truly his restoration before the ascension is bearing good fruit in the power of the Spirit!
The beggar at the Beautiful Gate would be well known. This was a primary route into the Temple courts for worship, and hundreds of people would pass him each day. Likely he had been begging there for a long time to corner such a coveted piece of real estate close to the Temple entrance. He has known nothing else, for he’s been crippled from birth, a clear metaphor for many people who have never heard the good news of Jesus.
He thinks he needs money, but Peter and John give him something far more valuable: mobility, and thus freedom (and with it potential and purpose). The man is clearly delighted (He clings to Peter and John, so they won’t get away)! But Peter explains to the crowd that this is God’s demonstration of a new era – where empowered commoners can see God’s activity, and through them many can come to faith.
Notice how Peter is clear but non-condemning as he underlines their guilt, and he calls them to return to God so their sins will be obliterated and they too will taste the refreshing of God’s presence, just as Adam did in the Garden in the cool of the evening.
Make some time to receive that refreshing yourself today: it will underscore how fully and freely you have been forgiven, and will increase your winsomeness to those around you.
Have a great day!
Mark.